Modern Fairies, Dwarves, and Other Nasties: A Practical Guide by Miss Edythe McFate

*Fantasy, Middle-grade novel
*Fairy expert Miss Edythe McFate and fairies themselves as main characters
*Rating: Lesley M. M. Blume’s book is a delightful and entertaining look at these unusual creatures.

Short, short summary: Written in several short chapters with titles such as “How to Tell a Good Fairy from a Bad One” or “Further Notes on Fairy Rings,” this book is an instruction guide for children today written by fairy expert Miss Edythe McFate. She tells readers in the beginning of the book that fairies are alive and are everywhere. They also come in many different forms–some are pretty nasty. Between instructional chapters on how to deal with the fairies in the world, she tells eight tales about children and fairies. Like she says, by the end of this book, you will be an expert in fairies–it’s a Fairy Reference Book.

So, what do I do with this book?

1. Children can add their own chapter to the fairy guide by making up either a tale or their own instructions. As a class or with your child at home, you can brainstorm some chapter titles or other times you might need instructions for dealing with fairies that Lesley M. M. Blume didn’t include in her book.

2. What makes this book a fantasy? Why does it seem realistic even though it is a fantasy? What is the fantasy world that Blume has created in this book? Discuss these points with students or your own children–especially the fantasy world. When they are writing their own fantasy stories, point out how Blume is consistent in her fantasy world.

3. You can teach voice easily with this book (one of the six plus one traits of writing). This book definitely shines with the voice of Miss Edythe McFate. The front cover even states: “As told to Lesley M. M. Blume” instead of saying written by. Talk to students about why this is a captivating voice. Compare it to some books that are written in the third person.